Q FM Africa's Modern Radio
The Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) says it is becoming increasingly clear that some of CSOs in the Grand Coalition are attempting to hijack the constitution making process once again, having previously contributed to previous attempts that ended in failure to come up with a progressive Constitution.
YALI Governance Advisor Isaac Mwanza has told QFM News in an interview that while the Grand Coalition has acknowledged that this year’s budget approved by parliament provides for K29 million for the constitution-making process, they nevertheless demand, in the same breath, that a referendum on the constitution, should be held this year.
YALI Governance Advisor Isaac Mwanza
Mr. Mwanza wonders how that is possible with the resources provided for in the 2015 national budget.
He says the resources provided in the 2015 national budget should send a clear message that the Referendum cannot be held this year with such limited funding.
Mr Mwanza says the provided resources should be used to ensure that arrangements are put in place for holding a Referendum in 2016.
Mr. Mwanza says YALI finds it contradictory, that the Grand Coalition should demand more time and resources towards the public sensitization and awareness on the referendum and its modalities, a process that gives them more work to do.
He has since called on the Civil society to re-assess their role in a democratic society and avoid conducting themselves as if they have a more legitimate mandate, whether acting as a single unit or in coalition, than any legitimately elected government put in office by the people directly.